Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology
Total graduates
30
2025 · 4 schools
International share
13.3%
4 international students
Bachelor's degrees
21
0.0% international
Master's degrees
2
0.0% international
Overview
Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology is a specialized field that focuses on the study of microorganisms and the immune responses in animals, particularly in veterinary medicine. This discipline combines principles from microbiology, immunology, and veterinary science to understand how pathogens affect animal health, how the immune system responds to these pathogens, and how to develop effective vaccines and treatments.
Students in this program typically delve into the biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause diseases in animals. They study the mechanisms of disease transmission and the impact of these diseases on animal populations and public health. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of the immune system, exploring how it can be harnessed to protect animals from infectious diseases.
Research in Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology is crucial for the development of vaccines that can prevent outbreaks of diseases in livestock and pets, thereby ensuring animal welfare and food safety. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to work in various settings, including veterinary schools, research institutions, governmental agencies, and pharmaceutical companies.
Overall, this field is integral to advancing veterinary medicine, improving animal health, and safeguarding public health by understanding and combating zoonotic diseases—those that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This area of study is increasingly important in today's interconnected world, where animal health directly impacts human health and food security.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2020 to 2025, graduates fell 43% and the international share went from 9.4% to 13.3%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 4 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #49 | University of Maryland-College Park | Maryland | 5 | 3 |
| #55 | The Pennsylvania State University | Pennsylvania | 20 | 0 |
| #116 | Iowa State University | Iowa | 4 | 1 |
| — | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks | Pennsylvania | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 221,270 | — | $147,570 |
| Veterinarians | 83,900 | $68.60 | $142,680 |
| Animal Scientists | 3,100 | $42.48 | $88,350 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2020–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.